More Australians dropping hospital cover

More Australians are going without private health insurance. The percentage of Australians with basic hospital cover has dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade, as almost 30,000 people dumped their policies in just three months. The latest Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data shows health premiums are still rising faster than wages, and out-of-pocket costs are continuing to bite, just one month after a report stated Australia’s health care system had become increasingly unfair, costly and confusing. The proportion of the population with basic hospital cover dropped to 44.2 per cent – its lowest level since 2007. That is an entire percentage point cent lower than the same time last year, and the equivalent of 28,000 people dumping their cover since March. The figures also revealed health insurance premiums rose almost 2.8 per cent over the June quarter, once again outpacing inflation and wage growth. The president […]

The Australian Patients Association is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing and protecting the rights and interests of all patients, and improving overall patient care and health outcomes.